Floyd Roland

Mr. Speaker, in fact, as we have our credit rating established through Moody’s and we looked at this borrowing situation, we have been in contact with them. They’re aware of the situation, they have reviewed it, and they feel we’re in a healthy situation and this is something that is affordable if things were to go wrong. The fact is we’re planning things will move along, and we’ll show that this was a good investment for the future of the Northwest Territories.

The bridge corporation process is being treated the same way we deal with capital leases and is recognized as well — as Members would know who are familiar with the Financial Administration Act — under that area. So we account for it in that area, but like many of our leases throughout many communities in the Northwest Territories, they don’t show up on our guaranteed debt position.

Mr. Speaker, if we don’t change the course we’re on today, before the end of the life of this government we will be in a dire situation. We would not be able to carry forward the business as laid out. We have to remind ourselves sometimes that we are spending $1.2 billion for 43,000 people in the Northwest Territories.

There’s got to be a way. We’re starting to do that exercise, and we’ll be more so in the second year of government, re-focusing and looking at how we spend that money and what the results are for that investment. I think we have to consider it as an investment. It’s not just an...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to rise to inform people back home in Inuvik that I will be heading back home to Inuvik next week from Monday to Wednesday.

I look forward to visiting with them once again and sharing their stories, and continuing to get back to work for the people of Inuvik.

Mr. Speaker, the departments are well aware of the challenges in delivering the services to our communities large and small. They are having a difficult time meeting the demands. As the Member has highlighted, the nursing side has always been a challenge in our communities. So the departments, as they’ve come through that scenario, again were mandated to deliver programs at levels in communities that still have to be met through this exercise. As we go through this exercise, Health has its overall target to meet, but it also has to look at the delivery it is mandated to deliver for people in...

Mr. Speaker, we have a lead Minister that’s dealing with the Building Canada Fund on the infrastructure side, that being Minister McLeod, so I’d ask that that be redirected to Minister Michael McLeod. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, if the companies or the delivery agent — or not the delivery agent, because the delivery agent is for Imperial, but the companies — that pump out gas in that community would make a request, we would consider that. We know in fact when there was talk of potential shortage, through the Petroleum Products Division, an offer for 400,000 litres was made. We were informed it wasn’t required.

Mr. Speaker, we have in fact been working. The Public Works and Services Petroleum Products Division has been in contact with community members as well, and Imperial Oil — their representatives, the agent — to try to come up with some information so we know where we’re starting from; and then as well making contact to get further information as to what the plans are for ensuring the community has a sufficient amount of gas and fuel for the winter season.

In fact, we have started a process between myself and aboriginal leaderships, as well as including the Deputy Premier. We’ve started a process. For example, shortly after the election in November, we were meeting with the regional aboriginal leadership. We’ve set up a process. We’re going to meet quarterly and discuss issues of concern between all parties.

In fact, I will be meeting with a number of the leaders. We’ve offered a meeting up actually next week. We’ll be following up with that meeting with those that can attend.

Yes. Through Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations we have begun the process. In fact, a document was tabled and made public on the consultation process. We’ve reviewed and put it out there to see if we can get some comment back from aboriginal organizations to meet the request for consultation.

As a department, we are, as well, getting a guide together for our employees and departments, so that when we discuss issues that may have an impact on Crown lands that affect aboriginal rights and treaties, it kicks into place a formal consultation process that we’re putting in place.